Marine float



S. S. AMATO MARINE FLOAT Dec. 23, 1947.

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 27, 1945 INVENTOR. {gm/1 I AMA 70 ATTORNEY 1947- s. s. AMATO 2,433,189

MARINE FLOAT Filed March 2'7, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

V JAM/[L JAM/170 Patented Dec. 23, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MARINE FLOAT Samuel S. Amato, Philadelphia, Pa.

Application March 27, 1945, Serial No. 585,023

8 Claims.

This invention relates to marine floats, and particularly to compartment or chamber floats, to be carried by a vessel or carrier, such as a submarine boat or surface ship, for conducting crew members or passengers from the carrier,

especially in times of stress in an effort to escape.

The device is operable for relatively different purposes under various conditions, such as acting as mere transport means from a carrier when the carrier is not damaged or in danger, or as a completely enclosed life boat for entry thereto from a sheltered deck or compartment of a surface ship. However, the purpose of the invention, as particularly illustrated herein, is as escape means for the crew of a disabled submarine beneath the water surface.

An object of the invention is to facilitate the rapid boarding, sealing and release of a float of the indicated character, and to guard the same against leakage at the hatchway means, and fouling of the float irrespective of any of a wide range of angles from its normal position that the float may have at the time of its release.

Another object is to not only facilitate the release of the float and to effect the other advantages stated, but also to facilitate the sealing of the carrier compartment from which the float is released, under safe or usual conditions, or where the carrier, although flooded at other parts, may still have parts which may be saved by such sealing.

Another object is to brace the float relative to the carrier in substantially all directions, and against severe shocks as in crash diving of the carrier.

Another object is to attach the float to, and to support the same on, a carrier by apparatus including yieldable means providing binding action in effecting the attachment and tending to force the float away from the carrier when the attachment is released,

Another object is to ensure the ready manual operation from opposite sides of any or all hatch closure means associated with the apparatus, whereby the closure means is watertight and cannot inadvertently be locked closed from either side such that it cannot be readily opened from the other side, and by which, after release of the float and arrival at the water surface, the exit hatch may be opened from within or, as in case of disability of persons in the float, may be opened by others from the outer side.

Another object is to ensure the opposite-side hatch locking and releasing means against accidental opening either by persons associated therewith or from floating objects, but which, when so intended, may beclosed and locked, and unlocked and released by substantially the quickest and easiest manual or hand operation.

With such objects in view, as well as other advantages which may be incident to a utilization of the improvement, the invention comprises the parts and combinations thereof hereinafter set forth and claimed, with the understanding that the several necessary elements constituting the same may be varied in proportion, arrangement and texture without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In order to make the invention more clearly understood, means are shown in the accompanying drawings for carrying the invention into practical effect, without limiting the improvements to the useful applications thereof'to the particular constructions which, for purposes of explanation, are made the subject of illustration.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view, partially in side elevation and partially in section, of a marine float embodying the invention, together with a portion of a carrier structure, such as a submarine deck, on which the float is mounted.

Figure 2 is a view, in end elevation, of the parts of Figure 1 which are located above deck.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view, on a reduced scale, of the main float body, as it appears when released from the carrier.

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the lower central portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a sectional side view of a modified form of hatch closure lock.

Figure 6 is a view taken substantially along line 6--6 of Figure 5-.

Referring particularly to Figure 1, the device comprises, in general; hatchway means Ill for releasably attaching a hollow'float structure l2 toa carrier deck or other support l4, cradles l6 secured to the deck l4, and yieldable means 18 on the cradles l6.

The hatchway means III comprises a manhole member 20, sealed and secured to the deck l4, and having a top flange 22 on the deck, and an exteriorly screw threaded depending tubular portion 24,

The hatchway means In further comprises an interiorly threaded manhole nut 26 on the portion 24 having, in this instance, two radially oppositely extending handles 28, and normally surrounding the outer threads of an exteriorly and interiorly threaded manhole body 30 having, in

the

this instance, two pairs of radially oppositely extending handles 3| at right angles to each other.

The hatchway means further comprises an interiorly threaded manhole element 32 sealed and secured to the float I2 around a manhole opening therein and having a flange 34 for compressing a sealing gasket 36 between the deck manhole member 20 and the float manhole element 32.

The hatchway means further comprises an exteriorly threaded-hatchway device or tube" 385n0rmally extending through the float manhole element 32 in threaded cooperation therewith toa. position below the deck or boat manhole member 20 into the manhole body 30 in threaded; ctr.

40 for compressing a sealing gasket"4-2 against*thefloat manhole element 32. binding: gasket 44: may also be provided between the manhole body 30 and the tubular portion 24 of the deck manhole operation therewith, and having a fixed shoulder v member 20. The hatchway device 38 has, in this instance, a halved. ringic lliz secureditozthe: shoulder 40*thereabout and prov-idediwithr three symmetri' cally. spaced; upwardlyrextending :handlesA-il: The device36ihas a companiontladder 50-, andaaghinge mounting. 52; the latter: ofwhich issadapted' to support ia hatch: closure; or: entrance do'onr'i'lrias by a pin: 56.

The door" 54'1h'as'a channel" shaped-.irimi. 58;; containing:- a yield'able' body. 60; off rubber: on: the like for fitting over and? about; the: top: edge? of the hatchway' tube-- on device 38; when the: door is closed, as shownp an'd' a -counterbalanceelement or weight 62 to render iii-easy to open andi close the door.-

The door 54; in this instance; is:f-urther provlded 'with -abearing :portiorr- 64' containing-:pack'- ing means 68' andapacking gland' throughall of"which aturnable' shaft HI: extends; A lock member-"T2; fiXed-ttrthe shaft -TIl at-the'outer or under, side of'the door, isadapted t'o'cooperate with a lock member 14 fixed toathe' device 38; A handle" I6 is fixed-- to the lock member 12; and thereby-'to the shaft 'lll. at the outer' side of the door 54, and" a handle-18;- havinga; fi'xed inner end" member 80, is fixed to the shaft- III atthe inner side of the door 5l relat'iv'eto'thefloat IT.

The manhole body *is provided withan entrance door 8-2'similarto the doorbland' similarly provided with a counterbalance element- 62 a bearing portion 64 packingmeansIiB; a packing gland 68, a shaft 10, loekmembers?! and 1'4 a pin=56, handlesld'and-TB, a=rinr-58 and a yieldable body-'60 fitting an edge- 84 of the body 30.

The float I2 has an exit door or cover 86 similar to; butin-thi's instance, larger than' the d'oors 54 and 80, and similarly providedwith the other identified elements; except the counterbalance element 62 which, however, may be provided in this instance also;

Referring to Ei'gu-res'l 2 and 3gthe flbatstruc 6 tune I 2;- comprises a shell; as: of stainless sheet steel orother material having a cylindrical body 88, rounded or' dome-like end" bells or members 90, a floor 92, reinforcing inner-structure M; and handrail means -96;-

As-zbetter seen: inl i'gures 1. and 2,. the cradles I'6-, indicated imthisrinstance asaofl cast metal are disposedr'atithe oppositerends of the heat body: 88 adjacent to lines 98 of joinder thereof to the end bells:- 9111 Each cradle. I6 Ecomprises' a main body web' I flflihavi'ng sea-washor lightening holesIBE; ribbedluprights: I04; lateral: braces- I 66, a bottom webi l lle'iandxa top edge ll-ll of the web Illfli'which, although: it i is contoured to the cylindricallines of the fioat; doesinot -normallytouch the float,

4 but provides a space I I2 between the web and the float.

Refer particularly to the right hand side of Figure 2, showing the yieldable means I8, which at this place is typical of each of the three means I8 on each cradle I6.

Each means I8 comprises, as an illustration, a bracket or support II4, with the bracket or support of the lower central means IS on the bottom web I08, and the bracket or support II4 of each higher means I8 on the web I09. Each bracket or support has an integral cup IIIS which is vented, as by a hole II 8, and is telescoped by a capiIZD having a shoe I22 contoured to the float surface engaged thereby or which surface may be contoured t'o' the shoe. A spring I24 in the cup lleurgesthe cap I20 outwardly, and a lubricating medium may be provided in the cup H6 and between the latter and the cap I28].

Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the float manhole element 32 of the hatchway means I8 is provided withmeans; lending rigidity to'the float over the bottom surface thereof, in the form of legs I26, which;are, in this case, integral with the element 32fand emanatetherefrom lengthwise, laterally and: upwardly on the cylindrical surface of the shell body 88'to ends I28 very closely approachingthe web I flflifor. longitudinal bracing thereby.

Sincea purpose hereof is'to avoid as much as possible any interference from having the. float breakifreaupper. edges I30 of the web I so recede or diverge from. the edge I IE3; as continuations'thereoi as to provide for a rolling action of thefloat out of the cradle, under the urge of the springs I2'4; when.the.float; at the time of release, may be at an extreme angleto its normal position.

In operation, if'closed at the time, the bottom doorll-Z may easily be released by turning the lower'handle 18=to release the lock member!!! from.the lock member 14', and the door opened with theassistance of the counterbalance element 621 to prevent sudden falling of the door. With this door'opene'd, it is then only necessary to climb thezla'dder 5'01 and to similarly releaseand open theid'oor'fi l", with the counterbalance element 62', in this:instance, assisting the lift.

Since the lower door 82 is counterbalanced, and requires onlya simple turning of the handle I6, the last person leaving the carrier can, without undue trouble or loss of time, close the door 82'.

After all have escaped to the float, the door 54 is'as:readily'closed as it was opened, whereby to establisha water tight seal at the door, whereupon'the handles 48 may be manipulated to turn the hatchway device 38 out of the manhole body member Mite-release the float. Upon such release-and very slight lift or movement of the float from the deck I4, the device 38 is immediatel return'edto its initial position with the shoulder 40 engaging and compressing the gasket 42 against the top of the manhole element 32. With the screw threads on the device 38 comparatively quick; and fitted closely with the cooperating threads on the element 32 there will be comparatively: little chance for water to enter the float, which contingency may be further guarded against, and the operation facilitated, by lubrication'between the threads, or by other means.

Upon release of the float as aforesaid, the springs I24 immediately act to push the float out of the cradles I6 and away from the carrier, and since the lower end of the hatchway device, in closed position, protrudes some distance from the bottom of the float, it may be employed as a reciprocating pusher, if necessary, in an endeavor to free the float from improbable fouling, or to impart motion to the float against other objects.

It is contemplated, of course, that the float may have any of many other forms, such that it may be more on the order of a usual boat, provided with motive and propelling means, oxygen equipment, a permanent store of food and water, a lighting system, portholes, a periscope, medical supplies, hygienic and sanitary means and any or all of several other conveniences or necessities.

It is contemplated also that the floats may be of various sizes to accommodate various numbers of persons and that one or any other number of floats may be placed at appropriate positions on one carrier to better take care of all who may be variously situated according'to the location of the float or floats depending on the size of the carrier, the maximum number of persons adapted for carriage and other factors.

Upon rise'of the float to the waters surface, the float exit door 88 may be opened from within, as in the cases of the doors 82 and 54, and the occupants leave the float to a rescue means, in this case, by stepping from the flOOr 92 to the top of the door 54, with the possible assistance of the handrail 96 which is provided for the occupants as bracing means against movements of the float.

Th legs I26, in addition to acting as bracing or trussing means for the float at the bottom thereof under normal conditions, also act as a keel or ballast to maintain the float upright.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a modification of the door locking and releasing means is shown in connection with a door I34 corresponding to parts of the lower door 82 of Figure 1 and constructed similarly thereto. In this instance a shaft I36, although it may be provided with radial handles similar to the handles I6 and I8, is shown as having handwheels I38 and I40, as well as a worm screw I42 fixed thereto. The screw I42 engages a worm wheel I44 fixed to a shaft I48 journaled in bearings I48 on the door I34, and carrying fixed thereto a bevel gear wheel I50 which engages a similar gear wheel I52. The latter is fixed to a stud shaft I54, journaled in the cover I 34, and carrying fixed thereto a lock member I55 similar to the above-indicated lock member I2 and cooperating with a lock member or detent I58 on a member similar to the manhole body 30.

Such means, although as shown being slightly slower in action than the above-described locking and releasing means, is better protected against accidental or inadvertent operation, because, although just as simple in operation, it requires deliberation and may not be simply knocked open or closed with one blow and is not likely to be battered open by floating objects.

The arrangement of the parts of the hatchway means In whereby the gaskets 38 and 42 are independently compressed, and the closure means or door 82 is supported through the intermediary of the boat or deck manhole member 28, facilitates construction and assembly, ensures a better seal at both gaskets and has other advantages, since the hatchway device I8 may be secured tightly in place in the manhole element 32 against the gasket 42, before mounting the float on the boat, and the manhole body 38, acting as a nut on the device I0 against the manhole member 20, turned to pull the entire float inwardly, against the action of the yieldable means I8, to compress the gasket 38. The manhole nut 26 operates as a lock nut.

The hatchway device 38 constitutes the sole operative means necessary to release the float, thereby Very greatly reducing the time element of release and, since it is of large diameter, it releases the float at once without the danger of binding or locking closed, which might occur where a plurality of smaller attachments are released one at a time and the last one or two attachments are bent or cocked by the eccentric partial release under the buoyancy of the float thus effected.

I claimz 1. In combination, a manhole member for sealed relation to a boat around a manhole thereof and having exterior screw threads, a hollow enclosed float having a manhole opening, an interiorly threaded manhole element sealed to the float around said opening, a sealing gasket between said member and said element, a hatchway device extending through said element in threaded cooperation therewith to a position below said member and having a shoulder over said element, a sealing gasket between said element and said shoulder, an interiorly threaded manhole nut on said member in threaded cooperation therewith, and an interiorly and exteriorly threaded manhole body fitting the exterior threads of said hatchway device and the interior threads of said nut.

2. In combination, a manhole member for sealed relation to a boat around a hanhole thereof, a hollow enclosed float having a manhole opening, a manhole element sealed to the float around said opening, in register with said member, sealing means between said member and said element, a hatchway device in said element, sealing means between said element and said de. vice, operating means for rendering said first sealing means efiective between said member and said element, and means operating independently of said operating means for rendering said second sealing means effective between said element and said device.

3. In combination, a manhole member for sealed relation to a boat around a manhole thereof and having screw thread means, a hollow enclosed float having a manhole opening, a manhole element sealed to the float around said opening, in register with said member, a hatchway device in said element, closure means for said member, and manhole nut means cooperating with said screw thread means for mounting said closure means relative to said member.

4. In combination, a hollow enclosed float for releasable attachment to a boat, means includ ing a portion on the float and providing a watertight hatchway between the float and the boat, and means emanating from said portion lending rigidity to a substantial portion of the float.

5. In combination, a hollow enclosed float for releasable attachment to a boat, said float including a body portion having a manhole opening, means providing a water-tight hatchway between the float and the boat and including closure means for said opening, and means extending from adjacent to said body portion on the float in reinforcing relation to the float and operating as ballast when the float is released to maintain the float in position with said closure means substantially at the bottom of the float.

6. In combination, a hollow enclosed float for releasable attachment to a boat, means providing a water-tight hatchway between the float and the boat, and having a portion carried by the float providing entrance. to the: float-i fromtheb'oat, anrl' means'exteriorly of thefioatlendingrigidity thereto'and operating as keel means when the floatis released and tending to maintain said entranceat the bottom of the float.

7: In combination, a hollow enclosed: float" for releasable attachment to a boat, means providing; a: water-tighthatchway between therfioat and-the-boat, means. emanating from the: boat atioppositesides of; said first means each embracing opposite sides of the float above thebottom thereof, and means on the float lending rigidity thereto and extending from said. firstmeans substantiallytoeach of.-said second means.

8; In combination, a-hollow enclosed float-for releasable attachment to a-boat and having-inlet-- and outlet manholes, yieldable means for supporting the float on the boat and bracing the sides ofthe float above the bottom thereoffor free release of the float irrespective. of any of a wide range of angles atwhich the float might befrom its normal position, water-tight hatchway means betweensaid: inlet manholeand a manhole in the boat and including a single operati-vemeans' only that is necessary for effective. release of'thefloat from the boatunder urge from said yieldable means, movable closure means forsaid holes including means for balancing from opposite. sides of certain of said closure means for releasablyholding the same in closed position, and means emanating from said hatchway means along the bottom of. the float for lending rigidity thereto.

SAMUEL S. AMA'IO.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,117,826 Flint Nov. 17, 1914 1,259,627 Howe Mar. 19, 1918 1,405,728 Tervo Feb. 7, 1922 1,754,213 Kelly Apr. 8, 1930 1,777,693 Gordon Oct. 7, 1930 1,779,429 Grieshaber Oct. 28, 1930 1,784,915 Studwel1 Dec. 16, 1930 1,786,627 Meister Dec. 30, 1930 1,815,350 Eckel et a1 July 21, 1931 1,872,212 Zahrajian Aug. 16, 1932 1,912,271 Furino May 30, 1933 2,234,404 Grimes Mar. 11, 1941 2,355,918 Kotelev et al. Aug. 15, 1944 

